Soldiers launch attacks in besieged Philippine city

﻿Smoke rises near a public market after military attack helicopters fired rockets on the positions of Muslim extremists
in the Philippine city of Marawi.﻿﻿ ﻿Military forces bombed residential areas﻿ ... more

﻿Smoke rises near a public market after military attack helicopters fired rockets on the positions of Muslim extremists
in the Philippine city of Marawi.﻿﻿ ﻿Military forces bombed residential areas﻿ as they battled the Islamist militants. ﻿ less

Photo: TED ALJIBE, Staff

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Teachers who were trapped in the siege by Muslim militants of Marawi city wait for their transport back to their hometowns in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled ... more

Teachers who were trapped in the siege by Muslim militants of Marawi city wait for their transport back to their hometowns in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city Thursday to try to restore control after ISIS-linked militants launched a violent siege that sent thousands of people fleeing for their lives and raised fears of extremists gaining traction in the country. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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Residents flee three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city Thursday as ... more

Residents flee three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city Thursday as gunfire and explosions rang out after militants linked to the Islamic State group torched buildings, seized more than a dozen Catholic hostages and raised the black flag of ISIS. Thousands of people were fleeing the city Thursday, jamming their belongings into cars. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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In this photo provided by the Presidential Communications Operations Office, cabinet members meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, seventh from left, in Davao city, Mindanao, southern Philippines, ... more

In this photo provided by the Presidential Communications Operations Office, cabinet members meet with Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, seventh from left, in Davao city, Mindanao, southern Philippines, Thursday May 25, 2017. Duterte declared 60 days of martial law on Tuesday across the southern third of the nation, an area that includes Marawi but extends well beyond it. ISIS-linked militants launched a violent siege in Marawi that sent thousands of people fleeing for their lives and raised fears of extremists gaining traction in the country. (Presidential Communications Operations Office via AP) less

In this photo provided by the Presidential Communications Operations Office, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte, center, prays beside Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, left, and Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, right, before the start of a special cabinet meeting in Davao city, Mindanao, southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. Duterte declared 60 days of martial law on Tuesday across the southern third of the nation, an area that includes Marawi but extends well beyond it. ISIS-linked militants launched a violent siege in Marawi that sent thousands of people fleeing for their lives and raised fears of extremists gaining traction in the country. (Presidential Communications Operations Office via AP) less

Photo: HOGP

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Government troops frisk a Muslim man at a checkpoint leading to Marawi city three days after Muslim militants lay siege in the city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with ... more

Government troops frisk a Muslim man at a checkpoint leading to Marawi city three days after Muslim militants lay siege in the city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city Thursday as gunfire and explosions rang out after militants linked to the Islamic State group torched buildings, seized more than a dozen Catholic hostages and raised the black flag of ISIS. Thousands of people were fleeing the city Thursday, jamming their belongings into cars. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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Troops load ammunition and supplies as a convoy of APCs head to the site three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with ... more

Troops load ammunition and supplies as a convoy of APCs head to the site three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city Thursday as gunfire and explosions rang out after militants linked to the Islamic State group torched buildings, seized more than a dozen Catholic hostages and raised the black flag of ISIS. Thousands of people were fleeing the city Thursday, jamming their belongings into cars. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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A resident waits to evacuate after a Muslim militant siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into a southern Philippine city Thursday as ... more

A resident waits to evacuate after a Muslim militant siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into a southern Philippine city Thursday as gunfire and explosions rang out after militants linked to the Islamic State group torched buildings, seized more than a dozen Catholic hostages and raised the black flag of ISIS. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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Residents evacuating after a Muslim militant siege share the back of a truck in Marawi city, southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into a southern Philippine city ... more

Residents evacuating after a Muslim militant siege share the back of a truck in Marawi city, southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into a southern Philippine city Thursday as gunfire and explosions rang out after militants linked to the Islamic State group torched buildings, seized more than a dozen Catholic hostages and raised the black flag of ISIS. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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Young residents flee with their belongings after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city, southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city ... more

Young residents flee with their belongings after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city, southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city Thursday to try to restore control after ISIS-linked militants launched a violent siege that sent thousands of people fleeing for their lives and raised fears of extremists gaining traction in the country. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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Government troops patrol the outskirts of Marawi city three days after Muslim militants lay siege in the city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of residents has continued ... more

Government troops patrol the outskirts of Marawi city three days after Muslim militants lay siege in the city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of residents has continued amid continuing gunbattle between Government forces and Muslim militants occupying several buildings and houses in the city where they hoisted IS style black flags. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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Government troops patrol the outskirts of Marawi city three days after Muslim militants lay siege in the city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of residents has continued ... more

Government troops patrol the outskirts of Marawi city three days after Muslim militants lay siege in the city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of residents has continued amid continuing gunbattle between Government forces and Muslim militants occupying several buildings and houses in the city where they hoisted IS style black flags. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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A resident waits for her vehicle to evacuate three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern ... more

A resident waits for her vehicle to evacuate three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city Thursday as gunfire and explosions rang out after militants linked to the Islamic State group torched buildings, seized more than a dozen Catholic hostages and raised the black flag of ISIS. Thousands of people were fleeing the city Thursday, jamming their belongings into cars. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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A resident waits for her vehicle to evacuate three days after Muslim militants launched a siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the ... more

A resident waits for her vehicle to evacuate three days after Muslim militants launched a siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into the southern Philippine city Thursday to try to restore control after ISIS-linked militants launched a violent siege that sent thousands of people fleeing for their lives and raised fears of extremists gaining traction in the country. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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A woman sits with other residents as they flee a Muslim militant siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of residents has continued amid ongoing gun battles ... more

A woman sits with other residents as they flee a Muslim militant siege in Marawi city in southern Philippines Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of residents has continued amid ongoing gun battles between government forces and Muslim militants occupying several buildings and houses in the city. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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Government troops conduct a check point along a highway leading to Marawi three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city, the southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of ... more

Government troops conduct a check point along a highway leading to Marawi three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city, the southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of residents has continued amid continuing gun battles between Government forces and Muslim militants occupying several buildings and houses in the city where they hoisted IS style black flags. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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Government troops conduct check point along a highway leading to Marawi three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city, the southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of ... more

Government troops conduct check point along a highway leading to Marawi three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city, the southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of residents has continued amid continuing gun battles between Government forces and Muslim militants occupying several buildings and houses in the city where they hoisted IS style black flags. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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Residents are seen on tops of vehicles as they continue to flee three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city in the southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of ... more

Residents are seen on tops of vehicles as they continue to flee three days after Muslim militants lay siege in Marawi city in the southern Philippines, Thursday, May 25, 2017. The exodus of thousands of residents has continued amid continuing gun battles between Government forces and Muslim militants occupying several buildings and houses in the city where they hoisted IS style black flags. (AP Photo/Bullit Marquez) less

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

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This undated image provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows a wanted poster for Isnilon Hapilon, who was purportedly designated leader of the Islamic State group's Southeast Asia branch in ... more

This undated image provided by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) shows a wanted poster for Isnilon Hapilon, who was purportedly designated leader of the Islamic State group's Southeast Asia branch in 2016 but has long ties to local extremist movements. Hapilon gained notoriety beyond the Philippines when he allegedly helped Abu Sayyaf kidnap 20 hostages from a Filipino resort in 2001. Philippine security forces on May 23, 2017, raided a hideout in Marawi city in the volatile southern region of Mindanao, in search of Hapilon. (FBI via AP) less

Photo: HOGP

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﻿Army tanks packed with soldiers rolled into Marawi, a southern city in the Philippines, to try to restore control after ISIS-linked militants launched a violent siege.﻿﻿

Photo: Bullit Marquez, STF

MARAWI, Philippines - Backed by tanks and rocket-firing helicopters, Philippine troops launched "precision attacks" Thursday to clear extremists linked to the Islamic State group from a city that has been under siege since a raid that failed to capture one of Asia's most-wanted militants.

Rebels have torn through the streets of Marawi since Tuesday night, torching buildings, taking a priest and his congregation hostage and sealing off much of the city. The violence forced thousands to flee and raised fears of growing extremism in the country.

Martial law declared

At least 44 people have died in the fighting, including 31 militants and 11 soldiers, officials said. President Rodrigo Duterte said a local police chief was stopped at a militant checkpoint and beheaded, and another policeman was also reportedly killed.

It was not immediately clear whether civilians were among the dead.

"At night we can hear the gunfire," said Mohammad Usman, who watched from his home just outside Marawi as thousands of residents streamed out of the city. "I'm just praying that the bullets will not find their way to my house and hit us. I hope that the bombs will not land nearby and harm us."

Duterte imposed 60 days of martial law Tuesday on the island of Mindanao, which encompasses the southern third of the nation and is home to 22 million people. Marawi has a population of around 200,000.

Duterte warned he may expand martial law nationwide, an unnerving development for many in the Philippines who lived through the rule of Ferdinand Marcos. Marcos declared martial law in 1972 and used it to maintain his grip on power for more than a decade.

The man at the center of the Marawi violence is Isnilon Hapilon, an Arabic-speaking Islamic preacher known for his expertise in commando assaults. He is at the nexus of several militant groups that are trying to merge.

Hapilon, who is a commander of the Abu Sayyaf militant group, pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group in 2014. He also heads an alliance that includes at least 10 smaller militant groups, including the Maute, which have a heavy presence in Marawi and were instrumental in fighting off government forces this week.

All these groups are inspired by the Islamic State group, but so far there is no sign of significant, material ties.

"We have not seen any concrete evidence of material support from IS," military spokesman Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said Thursday. But he added that the smaller groups "are working to really get that recognition and funds, of course."

Washington has offered a $5 million reward for information leading to Hapilon's capture, but he has proved elusive. The Philippines launched an airstrike that wounded him in January, but he got away.

Gaining control

The army raided what it believed to be his hideout on Tuesday night in Marawi, but the operation quickly went wrong. Militants called in reinforcements and were able to overpower government forces. Once again, Hapilon escaped.

As authorities try to gain more control over the city, disturbing details have emerged.

Militants forced their way into the Marawi Cathedral and seized a Catholic priest, 10 worshippers and three church workers, according to the city's bishop, Edwin de la Pena. The black flags of the Islamic State group were planted atop buildings and flown from commandeered vehicles, including a government ambulance and an armored car, said Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., vice governor of Lanao del Sur province, of which Marawi is the capital.

More than half of the population of Marawi has cleared out, Adiong said.